Adolescence: How Netflix Filmed Each Episode in One Take
Netflix’s Adolescence has captivated audiences with its raw storytelling and innovative filming technique. Released on March 13, the four-part series follows the gripping story of 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper), who is accused of killing his classmate, Katie. Created by Jack Thorne and starring Stephen Graham as Jamie’s father Eddie, the show broke new ground by shooting every hour-long episode in a single continuous take — an ambitious feat that added intensity and realism to the story.
The Story Behind the Show
Each episode explores a different aspect of Jamie’s journey, starting with his interrogation at the police station, followed by the detectives' investigation at his school, a high-stakes therapy session, and concluding with an emotional episode focusing on Jamie’s family at home.
The choice to shoot each episode in one take heightened the drama, making viewers feel like they were witnessing events unfold in real time. This approach created a sense of immediacy and tension that traditional editing techniques may not have captured.
How Did They Film in One Take?
Netflix recently shared details on how this remarkable feat was achieved. To ensure a seamless result, the team planned to film each episode at least 10 times, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, over a span of five days. However, unpredictable challenges sometimes led to more takes than initially planned.
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Here’s a breakdown of the takes that made the final cut:
- Episode 1: Take 2, shot on Day 1
- Episode 2: Take 13, shot on Day 5
- Episode 3: Take 11, shot on Day 5
- Episode 4: Take 16, shot on Day 5
Meticulous Rehearsals and Planning
To prepare for these challenging shoots, the cast rehearsed in segments, gradually adding more of the script each day. By the end of the week, they were able to perform the full episode in a single run. If an actor forgot a line or made a small mistake, they had to either continue or reset and start over if the error was too significant.
The production team also had to choreograph how the cast and crew would move around each other, ensuring the seamless flow of action. Sometimes, crew members had to remain in the shot and were dressed as extras to blend into the background.
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The Iconic Drone Shot in Episode 2
One of the most talked-about moments was the dramatic drone shot in Episode 2, where the camera follows Jade (Fatima Bojang) out of the school and transitions to a close-up of Eddie (Stephen Graham) placing flowers. To achieve this, the team attached the camera to a drone that flew 0.3 miles before seamlessly handing it off to a separate camera crew for a flawless transition.
Pushing the Boundaries of Television
Adolescence’s groundbreaking approach to filming has set a new standard for storytelling on Netflix. By opting for continuous takes, the series offered a raw, immersive experience that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. This ambitious technique, combined with stellar performances and an emotionally charged narrative, solidified Adolescence as one of Netflix’s most innovative series to date.
